Surprise Premiership leaders Bolton can put more daylight between themselves and the established pack when they play host to rock-bottom Southampton tomorrow.

Surprise Premiership leaders Bolton can put more daylight between themselves and the established pack when they play host to rock-bottom Southampton tomorrow.

But, despite the Trotters' sensational start to the Premiership season, boss Sam Allardyce insists Southampton's desperate need to put points on the board will make tough work of trying

to maintain their place at the top.

He fielded an under-strength team in the last-gasp 4-3 Worthington Cup win over Walsall on Tuesday and admitted an insecure defensive display has brought worries about the depth of resources in his squad.

He said: "It was good to give some other players a chance but it has also shown how rusty those players are.

"With a long season in front of us, against quality opposition every week, we are going to need everybody on board."

Republic of Ireland midfielder Gareth Farrelly has added to Allardyce's concerns after collecting a thigh injury ahead of tomorrow's match.

Southampton boss Stuart Gray is acutely aware his side must hit their first league goal soon.

After an unwanted hat-trick of 2-0 defeats he believes Wednesday's 3-0 Worthington Cup triumph at Brighton could be the launchpad.

He said: "It will give us a confidence boost for the visit to Bolton," he said.

"We have taken that monkey off our backs by scoring - now we need a goal in the Premier League."